Imphal, 12 August (HS): Security forces and district police conducted multiple operations across Manipur over the last 24 hours, resulting in the arrest of several active cadres of proscribed insurgent groups and the recovery of arms, ammunition, communication equipment and suspected heroin.

On August 11, security forces arrested active RPF/PLA cadre Sanasam Amumacha Singh alias Solomon (46) from his locality at Waikhong Ningthou Manai under Waikhong Police Station in Kakching district. On the same day, an active extortionist cadre of UPPK, a juvenile from Hiyanglam Mayai Leikai in Kakching district, was arrested from the Khongjom area under Khongjom Police Station in Thoubal district.

In Imphal East district, security forces arrested Wakambam Rahul Meetei alias Thenao (27), an active cadre of KCP (Apunba), from Porompat Soibam Leikai under Porompat Police Station. Another active cadre of UNLF (Koireng), Moirangthem Ricky Singh alias Achangba alias Naocha (19), was arrested from Khurai Laishram Leikai under the same police station.

Meanwhile, Cyber Crime Police Station, Manipur, arrested Laishram Mangibabu Singh (50) of Moirang Khunou Mamang Sabal in Bishnupur district in connection with a case involving the uploading and circulation of an indecently morphed image on Facebook along with a derogatory caption. He was arrested and a mobile phone with SIM card was seized. Further investigation is underway.

Bishnupur District Police arrested suspected drug peddler Md. Feroj Khan (41) of Kwakta Ward No. 3 during a routine frisking and checking operation at Moirang Okshongbung. Ten soap cases containing suspected heroin weighing around 122 grams were recovered from his possession.

In another operation on August 11, Bishnupur District Police and Central Security Forces, with assistance from Churachandpur District Police, intercepted a Scorpio vehicle bearing registration number AS 01BQ 0104 while it was travelling from Churachandpur towards Imphal. Nine soap cases containing suspected heroin weighing around 96 grams were recovered from the vehicle. Two persons, Md. Abdur Rahaman (29) and Md. Saruk Khan (24), were arrested. Two mobile phones and the vehicle were also seized.

Earlier, a joint operation by 8 Bihar Regiment and Thoubal Dam Police Station at Maphou Kuki Village led to the recovery of two No. 36 hand grenades, one stun grenade, a 7.65 mm pistol with magazine, four live rounds, one fired case and a walkie-talkie with charger.

During another search operation at Wabagai Turenmamei under Hiyanglam Police Station in Kakching district on August 11, security forces recovered a .303 rifle, a 9 mm pistol, three single-barrel guns, three carbines, a 51 mm mortar bomb, three tube-launching devices, two hand grenades, 18 live rounds of different calibres, an INSAS rifle bayonet and military fatigues, including BP plates, covers and communication equipment.

Manipur Police said strict legal action would be taken against persons involved in creating and circulating morphed or indecent content on social media, and reiterated that such activities would not be tolerated.---------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash